Chapter 142: The Application
Chapter 142: The Application
Seeing the determination in Cheng Zitong's eyes, he nodded slowly and asked, "Xiao Chuan, you've been following Elder He's notes for cultivation. How far have you gotten?"
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. He could sense that even with the help of tools like the bone beads, his progress had gradually slowed down.
According to his estimation, within two to three months, he would reach the true bottleneck of the first limit. Staying at this limit would yield diminishing returns, and there was little point in lingering here.
Based on his discussions with He Xiaoxing, he didn't need to be fixated on this. Those limits could be addressed later when he reached the second limit or even higher levels.
Chen Chuan said, "I think it's time to put the study of the second limit on the agenda."
"The second limit..."
Cheng Zitong sighed, "Except for a few elite students, most students won't reach this level even after graduation, let alone in a lifetime. If you can achieve it soon, it will be an improvement over your third-year performance, as it's less likely to raise suspicions."
At the second limit, the transmutation organs would grow deeper, further enhancing physical qualities. Undoubtedly, this would lead to mastering more qi power and combat techniques, making their combat abilities far superior to before.
Cheng Zitong opened a drawer, took out a form he had prepared earlier, and placed it on the desk, "This is the Infinite Defense Certificate application. If you've made up your mind, fill it out."
After submitting the application, someone will review it. But this is just a formality. If they don't hold you back this time, you must take the exam within six months. However, with recommendations from three departments, there's no reason for them to stop you, according to your cousin's analysis."
Chen Chuan reached out, took the form, scanned it, and started filling it out with a pen. After finishing, he checked it and handed it to Cheng Zitong, saying, "Teacher, please submit it for me."
As the teacher and student conversed, a sedan stopped in the square outside the Wu Yi Academy. The rear doors opened, and three people emerged: Zhuang Zhe, Feng Sheng, and Zhuang Zhongshan.
Then, the front passenger door opened, and Tai Dongwei, a senior student and a member of the Mutual Aid Society, stepped out. He had specifically brought along these three juniors for this commission.
This was the first commission for all three of them, and they felt they had learned a lot and gained valuable experience. Some things were indeed not taught within the academy.
Tai Dongwei acted like an older brother, offering guidance and assistance, creating a harmonious atmosphere among them.
Zhuang Zhe said, "Thank you, Senior Tai, for your help during this commission."
"You're welcome," Tai Dongwei replied with a smile. "Since we're all part of the Mutual Aid Society, we should look out for each other. You all have great potential. Don't be discouraged by some first-year students who might be stronger. They're just relying on their past achievements.
As long as there are sufficient resources invested in combat cultivation and one's potential is high, the more you invest, the more you'll gain. And you three..."
He glanced at the trio, emphasizing his next words with a gesture, "Undoubtedly, you all have potential. With the help of the Mutual Aid Society, in a year or two, you'll find that your peers won't be much of a challenge. You'll all stand out among your peers."
Zhuang Zhe deeply agreed. He was grateful to have joined the Mutual Aid Society, as it provided him with more resources and support.
Therefore, he looked down on those who refused to join, like Chen Chuan, who had exceptional talent but was too proud to join. It was a waste of talent, as the resources and opportunities available to them were not equal.
With more commission tasks, he could catch up in combat experience and fighting skills. By the second year, he could widen the gap, and by the third year, he could leave them far behind.
There was also Wei Dong, who was originally from their dorm group but spent most of his time with the other side. However, considering his lack of intelligence, it seemed unnecessary to be too harsh, although it was a pity to lose a good fighter.
Zhuang Zhe once again expressed his gratitude to Tai Dongwei, who politely bid farewell to the three of them and headed back to his dorm. The Mutual Aid Society had arranged this commission, so they would take seventy percent of the reward.
Without the Society's connection, he wouldn't have had access to such a suitable commission for newcomers, so he had no complaints.
When he arrived at the dorm building, a bespectacled student approached and greeted him, "Senior Tai."
Tai Dongwei recognized the man as a member of the Mutual Aid Society, responsible for contacting them. Knowing there must be a reason for the visit, he asked, "What's the matter at the Society?"
"Senior Jiang wants to see you. Come with me."
Tai Dongwei hesitated, "I just finished a commission and am covered in dust. Maybe I should change first."
"No need. Senior Jiang won't mind, and we can't keep the seniors waiting."
"How many seniors?"
The student smiled, "You'll know when Senior Tai arrives."
Without further questions, Tai Dongwei followed him to a car parked nearby. They drove for ten minutes before arriving at Beifeng Bieyuan, stopping in front of a flower garden villa.
As he stepped out, a butler-like figure emerged from inside, gesturing for him to enter, "Please come this way."
Tai Dongwei noticed several vehicles outside, indicating that he wasn't the only one visiting today. He straightened his clothes and followed, passing through a grand entrance with servants standing by, and entered a large living room.
As he expected, he wasn't the only one; two others had arrived before him.
One of them, a slightly darker-skinned young man named Geng Zheng, was a second-year student. When he first entered the academy, he was the most talented among his peers, even capable of defeating third-year students. However, he was arrogant and had never agreed to join the Mutual Aid Society until recently, seemingly due to some undisclosed reason.
The other was Deng Fu, a student in the same grade as Tai Dongwei and a member of the Military Department.
Across from them, on a large sofa, sat five people, undoubtedly the upper echelon of the Mutual Aid Society and representatives of the Powerhouse Disciples.
The two people on the sides were unfamiliar to Tai Dongwei, likely lower-grade students. However, he didn't underestimate them due to their grade; their presence here indicated substantial family backgrounds. Perhaps one of the graduates or a student from Central City, had a close familial connection with them.
The three people in the middle included Jiang Wei on the left, whom the lower-grade students addressed as Senior Jiang, and was often their point of contact. On the right was Shao Xiaobie, who Tai Dongwei remembered well, as the Powerhouse Disciples jokingly called him "Little Constipation." He appeared laid-back and approachable, seemingly without airs.
The young man in the middle was a stranger to Tai Dongwei, but he likely possessed the most influential family background, hence his central position.
Jiang Wei waited for Tai Dongwei to approach before speaking, "I've asked you three here today because you've all obtained the Firearms License."
With a gesture, his attendants handed over three forms to them and indicated, "Please fill out these forms."
Tai Dongwei took one and glanced at it, surprised, "The Infinite Defense Certificate?"
Geng Zheng, sitting beside him, looked incredulous, turning to the people on the sofa, "Are you asking us to take the exam for the Infinite Defense Certificate?"
Senior Jiang smiled, "That's right."
"Really?"
Geng Zheng seemed excited, "This is what I've always wanted, but why..."
He couldn't believe the Mutual Aid Society wanted him to take this exam. He hadn't thought about it before, as it had always been the exclusive privilege of Recommended Students. He never imagined they would offer this opportunity to them. Perhaps joining the Mutual Aid Society was indeed a wise choice?
Tai Dongwei remained cautious and silent.
Deng Fu spoke up, "What do you need us to do?"
Senior Jiang smiled, "It's simple. After the exam begins, no matter what methods you use, ensure you don't pass."
"Not pass?"
"Yes."
Jiang Wei gestured to the middle, "Because Senior Wei will be taking the Infinite Defense Certificate exam, we plan to have you accompany him."
Tai Dongwei asked cautiously, "Why can't we just give up in advance if we know we won't pass anyway?"
Jiang Wei shook his head with a smile, "That wouldn't be appropriate. After all, the upper management gives so many opportunities to the Recommended Students, and it wouldn't look good if not even one of them took the exam." He smiled again, "But if you participate and fail, that's a different story."
Deng Fu thought for a moment before boldly asking, "What benefits can we expect?"
Senior Jiang laughed, "We'll give you some money and waive a portion of your debt. We can also be more flexible with certain agreements."
"I agree!"
Deng Fu immediately accepted.
Tai Dongwei, noticing Jiang Wei's gaze shift to him, also agreed, "I have no objections."
He knew the Infinite Defense Certificate was typically monopolized by the Recommended Students, so he didn't have any expectations. Moreover, he understood that the other party held all the power, making his wishes insignificant. Getting additional benefits was already a significant advantage.
Senior Jiang turned to the last person, "Geng, what about you?"
Geng Zheng looked up at the group on the sofa, "Can I not give up?"
As soon as he asked, the other recommended students on the sofa burst into laughter. Senior Jiang looked at him with a smile and asked, "What's your reason?"
Geng Zheng replied solemnly, "Because I feel I can pass the exam. That way, I can make a greater contribution to the Mutual Aid Society, and I will remember the benefits they've given me."
He had obtained his firearms license in his second year, and among his peers, he was the most outstanding. Many senior students couldn't compare, so he was also very proud and believed he had many opportunities, worthy of the Society's special attention. That's why he didn't want to give up.
Senior Jiang smiled and said, "Geng, you are talented, and we've given you many opportunities, but opportunities come with conditions..."
"I know!" Geng Zheng emphasized, "After graduation, I will do my best to repay you. When I joined, didn't you say that I could keep my own opinions?"
Senior Jiang nodded and said, "We did say that, but the premise is that it doesn't hinder the interests of the Mutual Aid Society."
"But I haven't..."
Senior Jiang pushed up his glasses and smiled, "But Senior Wei's request is in the interest of the Society, and our request also represents the Society's interest."
Geng Zheng was not convinced, "But I..."
Shao Xiaobie suddenly grew impatient and pointed at him on the sofa, "If you're going to be a dog, have the courage to be one. Do what you're told without all the fuss."
"You..."
Geng Zheng's face turned red.
Deng Fu, still calm and unbothered, and Tai Dongwei, who lowered his head, heard this.
Senior Jiang smiled at Geng Zheng, "Geng, of course, you can choose not to agree. But if you hinder the interests of the Mutual Aid Society, we will consider it a violation of the agreement. You will have to pay a large breach of contract fee, and we will retract all our investments in you. You won't have any extra guidance or additional drug support."
Geng Zheng couldn't help but clench his fists. He had joined the Mutual Aid Society out of desperation. His family had incurred a huge debt for medical treatment, an astronomical sum he couldn't afford. It was only after the Society's support that things improved, and he couldn't possibly stop taking the medicine now.
Senior Jiang glanced at his watch, "Two minutes. That's your time to consider."
Both Tai Dongwei and Deng Fu remained silent, and the room fell quiet.
The other high-ranking members of the Mutual Aid Society, including the silent Senior Wei, looked at him with a hint of anticipation, as if eager to know his choice.
Time ticked by, and soon, Senior Jiang spoke, "Two minutes are up." He turned to Geng Zheng, "Geng, what's your decision?"
"I..."
Geng Zheng lowered his head, his knuckles turning white, "I agree..."
Senior Wei stood up from his seat and said, "Take care of the rest." Then he walked out, followed by the other powerful members of the Society.
Shao Xiaobie complained as he walked, "I came all this way for such a trivial matter. Oh, and he instructed his attendant, "Give him his money. Even dogs deserve a few bones."
Outside, Senior Jiang smiled, "Brother Shao, you're too harsh on them."
Shao Xiaobie didn't care. Dogs needed to be trained; otherwise, how would they listen? If you were too lenient, they'd take advantage.
Inside the room, as the three men signed, three checks were handed to them.
Geng Zheng felt his dignity trampled upon, a deep sense of humiliation in his heart. He breathed heavily, his eyes turning red. Tai Dongwei noticed his state and patted him on the back, "Geng, are you okay?"
"Get away! Don't touch me!" Geng Zheng slapped his hand away.
Tai Dongwei quickly stepped back, "Bro, don't take it out on me."
Deng Fu held the check, flicked it, and happily pocketed it. He looked at Geng Zheng and said, "Come on, Geng, that's how the world works. Take the money and enjoy yourself. Isn't this what we work so hard for?"
Geng Zheng looked at the two, not understanding. He asked softly, "Don't you have any aspirations?"
"Aspirations?"
Deng Fu was surprised and looked at him, then shrugged and walked out, saying, "If you have aspirations, you shouldn't have joined the Mutual Aid Society. Listen to me, get rid of those thoughts early. In this Society, they're just extra baggage."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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